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By Aws Alani,UK The provision of orthodontics can be a life-changing experience for young patients whose “crooked” teeth can affect their confidence and self-es- teem. Indeed,where mature patients present with a history of malalign- ment,equally beneficial and fulfilling results can be achieved. In govern- ment-funded systems, patients with congenital abnormalities receive treatment that is essential to their ongoing oral health. Restorative den- tists work closely with orthodontists, whocanappreciatehowsmalldetails can aid in achieving positive restora- tiveoutcomes. As a young dentist, I corrected a tooth in crossbite with a simple T-spring appliance. It was enjoyable and brought a different type of de- layedgradualsatisfactiontothemore cerebralbuttenuousmolarendodon- tics or the more artistic and instant composite build-up. I was not a spe- cialist, but I managed to do some or- thodontics. In contrast to my experi- ence, general dental practitioners are now more routinely providing tooth movement with the emergence of short-term orthodontics (STO). This has resulted in some conjecture as to themethodsofachieving“straighter” teeth. Indeed, some may consider STO as an emerging entity compet- ing with specialist orthodontics, but shoulditbe? Thespecialisttrainingpathwayfor orthodontics involves a competitive- entry three-year full-time course linkedwiththeachievementofamas- ter’slevelqualificationthatmanymay feel daunted by. Indeed, navigating thepathwayfromstarttofinishcanbe difficultacademicallyandfinancially whenfactoringinfeesandlossofearn- ings during training. Once qualified, the majority of these specialists re- side,likethemajorityofallspecialists, in the south-east of England. With thisskeweddistributionofspecialists andassumedneedforaccess,itmight seemprudentforgeneraldentalprac- titionerstocontributetomeetingthe needfororthodontics. Indeed, the long-cited managed clinical networks have yet to be fully realised, although all planning and documentation related to managed clinical networks identify general dentalpractitionersasintegraltothe functionofthenetwork.Thenumber of orthodontic therapists has gradu- ally increased over the last ten years or so since inception of the first courses in Wales and Leeds. Thera- pists are allegedly more cost-effec- tive to train and employ in a large orthodontic practice; however, un- like their hygiene or therapy col- leagues, they cannot practise with- out a specialist’s treatment plan and supervision. Patientswhoqualifyfororthodon- tic treatment under the UK govern- ment-funded system need to be as- sessed according to the index of or- thodontic treatment need. There will be an obvious shortfall of adults or adolescent patients with minor mal- occlusions who do not meet the cri- teria who would like their teeth straightened.Thiscohortmayhaveto seek treatment privately from ortho- dontic specialists or general dental practitioners.Assuch,theseminoror straightforward cases may be man- agedinanumberofdifferentsettings utilising various techniques with the adventofSTO.Thismayhaveresulted in some territorial paranoia between the two camps of traditional ortho- dontics versus STO systems. Con- versely,itmaybethatdifferingscien- tific, technical and ethical ethos on managing the same problem is the sourceofthedebate. Quick and easy? Commercialisation has modified the provision of orthodontics in the UK.Indeed,therearenoworthodontic brands with courses attached and a The Dental Tribune International C.E. Magazines www.dental-tribune.com Shipping address City Country Phone Fax Signature Date PayPal | subscriptions@dental-tribune.com Credit Card Credit Card Number Expiration Date Security Code €44/magazine (4 issues/year; incl. shipping and VAT for customers in Germany) and €46/magazine (4 issues/year; incl. shipping for customers outside Germany).** Your subscription will be renewed automatically every year until a written cancellation is sent to Dental Tribune International GmbH, Holbeinstr. 29, 04229 Leipzig, Germany, six weeks prior to the renewal date. 4 issues per year | * 2 issues per year *** €56/magazine (4 issues/year; incl. shipping and VAT) ** Prices for 2 issues/year are €22 and €23 respectively per year. CAD/CAM cone beam cosmetic dentistry* DT Study Club (France)*** gums* implants laser ortho prevention* roots I would like to subscribe to \ SUBSCRIBE NOW! fax: +49 341 48474 173 | e-mail: subscriptions@dental-tribune.com AD Short-termgains…long-termproblems? The emergence of STO and its future implications in general practice Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition | 5/201504 OPINION DTUK0515_04-05_Alani 15.10.15 12:02 Seite 1 \ SUBSCRIBE NOW! fax: +4934148474173 | e-mail: subscriptions@dental-tribune.com DTUK0515_04-05_Alani 15.10.1512:02 Seite 1